We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Eshan Escoffery a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Eshan, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

At the age of 14, I knew I wanted to pursue an artistic/creative path professionally. I was in a non profit music program for inner city kids, in my hometown of Syracuse NY, called signature Music. I started with the program in 6th grade. At that time, music was a vital role in my passion towards creativity, with determination and intuition, my path seem to have unfurled in front of me! At the age of 16, I received my first gig opportunity with signature music and I’ve been performing ever since! (currently 32)

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Eshan Cushi Escoffery, I’m 32 years old and I’ve been a creative person for as long as I can remember! At the age of 7, I’ve been in the kitchen learning, looking, making mistakes, learning some more, smelling, tasting, yearning to cook all the amazing food my parents would then teach me how to make! I grew up in a Jamaican-American household. Being 1 of 6 kids, I had to learn what it meant to be independent as a person and supportive in my community as well as my family. I was taught that food is important to our daily lives and with love as a secret ingredient, it allowed my passion to grow due to seeing people enjoy the food I cook! In 2018, I received my degree in culinary arts at Escoffier culinary Institute in Boulder Colorado, after 7 previous years of college, obtaining my first degree in music (2009-2016). Since then, I’ve worked in numerous restaurants both in New York and Colorado as a line cook and prep cook. With deep thought, determination, and patience, I decided to pursue my passion to curate my own business in food, health and wellness. So, I started a catering company that embodies the wonderful opportunity of happiness and wellness called TLGF (Tender love N’ Good Food) from around the world Est. 2021.

At the age of 14, I knew I wanted to pursue an artistic/creative path professionally. I was in a non profit music program for inner city kids, in my hometown of Syracuse NY, called Signature Music. I started with the program in 6th grade. At that time, music was a vital role in my passion towards creativity, with determination and intuition, my path seem to have unfurled in front of me! At the age of 16, I received my first gig opportunity with signature music and I’ve been performing ever since! (currently 32), I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Music Industry and minor in jazz studies in 2016. Since then, I have performed in a plethora of venues such as the Syracuse Jazz festival (2010-2014) Syracuse Blues festival (2013-2016) Boulder theater (2018-present) Fox theater (2019-present) numerous bars, restaurants, festivals, private parties and community events alike!

I truly care….. Through and through! That sets me apart from the average person. Everything I do has an intention to heal and grow, not just as an individual but as a community! I strive to guide others to love all that is desired, obtained, challenged, pursued, even deemed impossible. The proof is in the pudding! Reach out to me to find out more and I’m an open book with a lot of stories, so please ask away!

I am so greatful and honored to have such an awesome opportunity to emanate the experiences I’ve had thus far! Everyday is a new day and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for us all!

Peace and love to one and all!

Eshan Escoffery
[email protected]
Instagram: @chefesco323

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Growing up was quite the journey, at birth, I was born prematurely (4 months early). Doctors have been involved in my adolescence which infiltrated the does and don’ts I believe you learn from your parents and family however, I have had the unwanted privilege of an extensive medical trail that followed me like a kite bellowing in the wind catching every turbulent opportunity. Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at age 11 and weighing 250lbs before finishing elementary school, childhood was riddled with blood tests, doctors visits, and a lot of discomfort with my own health and wellness. Each day seemed to stretch out and feel bitter sweet. For meny years, food was my therapist and more food was my prescription and my diagnosis was “eating will make you feel better”…. “Even when you feel worse that’s your body telling you you have more room to eat until you fall a sleep”…. it was dangerous I know…. but it was my remedy for all my emotions! Good, bad, stressed, sad, angry, uncomfortable, confused, happy, etc.
Over time, I had used the tools I needed to help me remove the “depression shackles” from my life and grow with every step towards my passions and life’s purpose!

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Yes….. everyone honestly! My goal is to connect with everyone who’s willing to learn and be reminded about how great it is to care about others because you care about yourself and wellbeing for all. It’s a challenging feet but I assure you it’s well worth the journey!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://escoheals-or-tglf.ueniweb.com/
• Instagram: @chefesco323
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eshan.escoffery?mibextid=ZbWKwL
• Other: [email protected]